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Rear Adm. Tom Druggan is commander of the 8-Division strong Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) HQ. He leads more than 18,000 scientists, engineers, technicians and support personnel located across the United States. A native of Lexington, Kentucky, Druggan is a 1989 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, and previously commanded the Aegis ballistic missile defense […]

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T-38 Replacement Decision Approaching

A U.S. Air Force T-38 Talon aircraft from 560th Flying Training Squadron, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas. A decision is expected soon on whether the T-X T-38 replacement program will move forward. U.S. Air Force photo

If T-X gets the go-ahead, officials will require several features not found on the T-38, including advanced sensors and datalinks and an in-flight fueling receptacle for training in air-to-air refueling.

Service experts expect to release an Analysis of alternatives (AoA) this spring or summer and to advise Pentagon officials whether to go ahead with a replacement called the T-X. If a green light is given, funding for a fly-off competition could appear in the administration’s fiscal year 2012 budget request. But Air Force officials – who are currently orchestrating a reduction-in-force of both enlisted and officer strength – acknowledge that the dollars for a new advanced trainer may be elusive in today’s budget climate.

The Lockheed Martin/KAI T-50 is one candidate for a T-38 replacement. Lockheed Martin photo

If T-X gets the go-ahead, officials will require several features not found on the T-38, including advanced sensors and datalinks and an in-flight fueling receptacle for training in air-to-air refueling.

The Alenia Aermacchi M-346 is under consideration by several countries for an advanced trainer and might be a candidate for the U.S. Air Force’s T-X program. Alenia Aermacchi photo